The Nanung Peace Initiative (NPI) is making a passionate and urgent appeal to all social media users, bloggers, influencers, and individuals: let us use modern technology to protect, dignify, and uplift our traditional and religious leaders not to undermine them.
- Respect for Tradition is the Foundation of Our Kingdoms:
From our forefathers until today, our kingdoms have survived because of protocols and sacred systems that governed how information is shared, who meets the overlord, and how respect is shown to authority. These protocols were not meant to oppress, but to preserve dignity, order, and harmony within our communities.
- Technology Must Strengthen, Not Destroy:
Today, with social media and instant communication, these values are being eroded. Instead of strengthening traditions with modern tools, many people are using technology to spread lies, create panic, and drag the names of our overlords into disrepute.
The recent false news about the passing of His Majesty Ndan Ya Naa Mahama Abukari II, the revered King of Dagbon, is only one painful example. Even more worrying is the countless times false news has circulated about the death of our respected National Chief Imam, Sheikh Dr. Osman Nuhu Sharubutu. Each time these lies spread, they not only cause unnecessary fear and sorrow but also show a complete lack of respect for our spiritual father and the values of our nation.
These actions are not just misinformation, they are attacks on our cultural pride and spiritual dignity.
- Other Societies Protect Their Leaders-Why Not Us?:
Across the world, communities safeguard information about their respected leaders. Matters of chieftaincy, succession, illness, or death are only made public after proper traditional protocols are observed. Yet here at home, we too often see bloggers and individuals rush to publish unverified, false, and culturally offensive reports about our overlords, chiefs, and elders. This must stop.
- Our Appeal to Social Media Users and Bloggers:
We call on every user of social media, every blogger, every community reporter:
- Do not trade our dignity for clicks, likes, or money.
- Think before you post; Is the information true? Has it passed through the proper traditional channels?
- Remember your roots; If your father or mother is from royal lineage, honor it. Do not betray it with reckless content.
- Use your platforms positively to promote culture, peace, unity, and the wisdom of our leaders.
- Let Us Protect Our Overlords and Our Culture:
Our esteemed leaders are not only traditional rulers; they are the living symbols of our heritage and identity. Their sacrifices, such as the recent “Jira Yagbonwura Kingdom Visit Initiative” and other inter-kingdom engagements, are meant to strengthen unity and solidarity. We, the people, must not undermine these noble efforts.
- A Call to Reflection:
Let us ask ourselves: If we destroy the dignity of our leaders with lies today, what will our children inherit tomorrow?
Our culture is our pride. Our overlords and spiritual fathers are the custodians of our land, our faith, and our traditions. It is our duty to honor them.
- Prayer for Our Leaders:
May Allah the Almighty strengthen, protect, and guide our esteemed overlords:
* The Overlord of the Mamprugu Kingdom,
* The Overlord of the Dagbon Kingdom,
* The Overlord of the Nanung Kingdom,
* The Overlord of Gonjaland,
* The Overlord of the Wala Traditional Council,
* The Moshe Kingdom of Burkina Faso
* the National Chief Imam,
and all religious and traditional leaders, with good health, wisdom, and long life. May He bless their kingdoms and subjects with peace, unity, and prosperity.
NPI’s Final Word: Let this message touch every soul. Let us rebuild respect, restore dignity, and revive the conduct that binds us as one people.
Alhassan Somed Dasana
Executive Director
Nanung Peace Initiative (NPI)
